He returned to his medical practice for the 19 months between the two stints, taking on 1,500 patients in need of a family doctor. He also served as health critic in the official Opposition during that time.

He earned a bonus of between $100 and $200 per person — totalling $215,000 — thanks to an incentive program meant to encourage Quebec doctors to take on more patients from wait lists.

The bonus was in addition to his salaries as a doctor and an MNA.

Bolduc said at a Tuesday news conference that he earned that bonus fair and square, shrugging off recent calls to refund the premium.

Instead, he urged Quebec's provincial health care plan to fast-track its investigation into the bonus he was awarded.

On Tuesday morning, Quebec's current health minister Gaétan Barrette said the incentive program is under review.

Worked 7 days a week

Bolduc said he worked tirelessly to tend to his patients' needs without compromising his responsibilities as a member of the Quebec legislature.

He said he worked between 20 and 30 hours a week as a doctor, often on evenings and weekends.

“I wasn’t even tired at the end of the day. That’s just the way I’m made," Bolduc said.